Stand up paddleboarding began in Hawaii back in the 1960s. It actually wasn’t even a sport, instead, it was the way photographers would take pictures of tourists who were learning to surf. It wasn’t until more than 30 years later that surf legend Laird Hamilton popularized stand up paddleboarding in the late 1990s, which now is one of the most popular sports in the world.
Why have so many people embraced the SUP life? For one reason, stand up paddleboarding is a lot easier to learn than mastering surfing. Even more, innovators have made the sport even more accessible with the invention of the inflatable stand up paddleboard. Now, paddleboarding enthusiasts are free to travel the world in search of the ideal paddleboard experience and have the convenience of taking their favorite board along with them.
So where should you go? We’ve put together a few of our favorite places based on scenery, ease of paddling, and overall experience.
1. Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Sunset Beach is known for its big wave surfing, but not to fear, that’s only in the winter months. During the summer, the water is calm making it perfect for standup paddleboarding. The journey also provides a stunning view of coral reefs, so plan to do some snorkeling along the way.
2. Shroud Cay, Bahamas
Shroud Cay is a water sanctuary of cays and rocks surrounding a shallow tidal mangrove Salina which serves as a unique nursery for conch, crawfish (lobster), sea turtles, birds and many varieties of fish. Some of the area is only accessible by small watercraft or manned craft such as SUPs. You’ll enjoy the crystal clear waters and sea life.
3. Goat Island, Leigh, New Zealand
Goat Island, located off the coast of Leigh, New Zealand, offers double the entertainment with paddleboarding and some of the best snorkeling in New Zealand. Enjoy a smooth glide over seaweed jungles and enjoy a variety of fish species through the crystal-clear water. Goat Island is a marine reserve, so strap your snorkeling gear to the board and plan to jump off several times throughout the trip.
4. Kitzsteinhorn Mountain, Austria
A Kitzsteinhorn Mountain paddleboarding experience gives ‘breathtaking’ a whole new meaning. From the crystal blue waters to the sky-high mountains. This surreal paddleboarding destination is the perfect place to start a bucket list trip. But be warned, you may never want to leave!
5. Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona
You might be surprised to learn the Arizona has a lot of water for paddleboarding. In fact, it has one of the highest numbers of boat owners in the U.S. Add the water beauty all the incredible mountain terrain and you’ve got the some of the best paddleboarding experiences in the world. A great place to start is world renowned Horseshoe Bend. Just take a look at the picture because it’s pretty indescribable.
6. Antartica
When you think of paddleboarding, you might instantly think of grabbing your swim suit and inflatable board and heading to a tropical destination. But, there are many must-see places in cooler climates. One such destination is Antartica. Bundle up and get ready for the most peaceful and exhilarating paddleboarding experience you can imagine.
7. Cayo De Agua, Los Roques National Park, Venezuela
If you find a list of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Cayo De Aqua will be nestled among the top destinations. There is beauty everywhere you look and you can see quite a bit it from atop a paddleboard.
8. Garfagnana, Florence, Italy
Work off some delicious Italian food with a paddleboard trip down the beautiful rivers Serchio and Lima in Garfagnana, just few kilometers from Pisa and Lucca. Explore the hidden Canyon of Cocciglia with its clear blue waters.
9. Bora Bora, Tahiti
Well, look at this. After a day of paddleboarding in Bora Bora, you can saunter up to your luxury hut and turn in for some star gazing. It doesn’t get much better than that.
10. Cocoa Beach, Florida
From April through August, the intercoastal waters of Cocoa Beach, Florida light up with bioluminescence. Paddle away from the city lights and you’ll see mullet jumping like crazy causing an underwater fireworks show. It’s not a famous international destination, but it is the United State’s East Coast surfing capital and this is a once in a lifetime experience.
Has this sparked your desire to get out there and paddleboard?
Comments